PATARA
(Gelemiž-Ovagelemiž)
At a distance of 70 kms.to Fethiye, the
present name of the city is Gelemis, Ovagelemis. There is a temple for Apollon
erected by Pataros and an harbour at the site, Patara means "victorious". Since
it is menlioned by Heredotus, the city must have been constructed prior to the
fifth century B.C.
Alexander the Great seized the city in
333 B.C. During the wars after Alexander, Patara served as an important naval
base. Patara is a good example of how nature devastates work by human hands. The
fist sight that meets the visitors eyes is the Arch of Triumph erected by
Mettius Modestus in the first century A.D. On the eastern slope of the hill
there is a bath, The theater, partially covered by sand, is located on the
northeastern slope of the hill facing the sea. The stage is covered by trees.
Behind the theater there is a circular well. The water was probably supplied to
the city by the aquaducts in the west and in the east, supported by cisterns.
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